Casualties unknown

Crosswind Landing on Short Runway Leads to Loss of Control and Nose-Over (N5849J)

North Bend, OR, US

On February 4, 1993, a Cessna 185E (registration N5849J) operated by Cordell, Steven D. was involved in an aviation accident near North Bend, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A POOR INFLIGHT DECISION, AND GUSTY CROSSWINDS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot chose a 2,300-foot runway aligned 60 degrees from the wind over a longer 5,045-foot runway aligned 30 degrees from the wind. After touchdown, gusty crosswinds caused loss of directional control, and the aircraft nosed over during recovery.

Event Summary

A pilot attempted to land on a runway that was 2,300 feet long, which was aligned approximately 60 degrees from the current wind direction. An alternative runway, measuring 5,045 feet in length and aligned approximately 30 degrees from the wind, was available at the same airport. The pilot selected the shorter runway despite the less favorable crosswind alignment.

Runway Selection

The pilot chose to land on the 2,300-foot runway, which was oriented about 60 degrees from the prevailing wind. In contrast, the other runway, at 5,045 feet, was aligned about 30 degrees from the wind, offering a longer landing distance and a more favorable crosswind component.

Landing and Loss of Control

After touchdown, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft due to gusty crosswinds. The loss of control occurred despite the pilot's efforts to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline.

Outcome

While attempting to recover from the loss of directional control, the aircraft nosed over. The extent of damage to the aircraft, if any, is not specified in the source. The number of occupants and any injuries are also not reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Feb 1993 Cessna 185E accident near North Bend, OR?

A pilot chose a 2,300-foot runway aligned 60 degrees from the wind over a longer 5,045-foot runway aligned 30 degrees from the wind. After touchdown, gusty crosswinds caused loss of directional control, and the aircraft nosed over during recovery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Feb 1993 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N5849J, operated by Cordell, Steven D., at North Bend, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A POOR INFLIGHT DECISION, AND GUSTY CROSSWINDS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11888. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.